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Costa Rica has been on the top of my travel list for quite some time. My boyfriend and I are trying to figure out what part of Costa Rica to visit. We are looking to do some zip lining (currently on my bucket list), as well as some rain foresty things. We are also just looking to relax on the beach and enjoy the warm weather (and COFFEE!). I've been reading some of the topics in the forums here and I'm just trying to figure out if Jaco is for us. I've been reading about the beaches in Jaco, not really minding the dark sand, but is it good for swimming and just realxing? I can literally sit on the beach all day, but my boyfriend likes to go in the water and be entertained.

We recently went to DR this past winter and spent 4 days sitting in beach chairs, it was devine. We're obviously going to Costa Rica for a little adventure, but also going for some R&R. What do you think? Is Jaco for us?

Jaco is all about convenience and location. I'd steer you towards the south end for a mellow feel, beach is also bit calmer. In all of Costa Rica you do need to be careful with riptides, but for swimming, relaxing, exploring and some of the local activities, Jaco is a great fit. Here is a bit more info to get a better feel of the town

I agree with Racandee, I would avoid Jaco, not a great beach for swimming or lounging, great for surfing but that's about it. IMO Samara is a good bet, throw in a few nights in Arenal to start and then head there.

Montezuma is my favorite place in the country. I used to always do Jaco as part of the trip (it's a pretty big town), but I've since changed to going to Montezuma and some trips I don't even go anywhere else (I've stayed there 3 weeks before and always been sad to leave).

They've got multiple waterfalls and some long beaches and a national park and the town is very small.

FYI, the first week in January will be very busy on the coast, ALL the Costa Ricans migrate to the coast for the holidays (it's cRaZy at Christmas (2-3 weeks) and the week before Easter). That's been my experience in Jaco, Montezuma, Tamarindo (so at least the west coast). It'll might still be a little extra busy the second week of January too, so if you're flexible, head down after that.

I was just in Montezuma from Jan 2 to 15th and was surprised it was still busy that second week from the 5th-11th (not like the first week though, it was night and day after the weekend of the 5th). The last week I could go places like the waterfalls and actually be alone for a while sometimes.

I live in Jaco, and love Jaco. BUT, if you want to do the hangout on the beach thing, go for a leisurely dip when you get hot I would recommend looking elsewhere. Not that it is not enjoyable to sit on the south end of the beach here. And you can have a perfectly fine time here if you have anyone surfing. But strictly for beaches there are better spots.

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10.
Re: Planning a Trip for Jan 2015

28 Apr 2015, 05:15

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